Are Silent Protagonists Good Characters?

We've all seen or at least heard of the silent protagonist trope in gaming. However does it actually create good complex characters? Or will it be another aspect of gaming that will eventually be non-existent?

The Elder Scrolls/Fallout characters might not have a voice actor but they definitely aren't silent. You choose their responses. They have whatever personality you want them to have.

By silent you'd point to something like Dishonored, Borderlands or the earlier Cods where other characters talk to your character, call him by name and generally seem to know him quite well. Which surely means he/she must have spoke at some point to introduce him/herself....

But the silent thing does work quite well for Shadow of the Colossus and The Legend of Zelda.

It depends on the story I think. Shadow of the Colossus is one example of great story with a silent protagonist. The Legend of Zelda too, although it could be much better than the generic normal boy is the chosen one to save the princes from evil.

I hated him either way. In the first Dead Space everyone acknowledged our dear little rusted tin man like he had any kind of voice or personality. And we were suppose to feel bad because HIS WIFE DIED!!! That's like feeling sorry for scuba diving suit after it's owner died.